We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Duncan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.

Alright, Shannon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m overall happy as an artist because I have this amazing outlet with multiple different types of mediums and resources. I think this is one of the hardest questions to answer as an artist. I may not speak for every artist, but I think some can agree with me that there are extreme highs and extreme lows when it comes to creating new pieces. I’m an extroverted introvert who also happens to be a perfectionist. While I’m working on pieces, I try to remind myself that everything happens for a reason.

Art is subjective, not everyone feels something when they look at art, and that’s okay. Art is such a broad term, that I think we lose sight of how amazing creators can be when they’re given the freedom to be creators.

I, like many, actually have a second job. A regular 9a-5p job that I do during the week, and my art takes place whenever I feel! Being a small business owner on top of that is hard, but I wouldn’t change how things are right now. For myself, I like to balance projects, so when I’m stuck I move on to another piece or work on a new sketch. Having a “regular job” works for me because it gives me balance from all of my thoughts.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Shannon and I’m the artist, creator, and founder of Unfinished by Duncan. I sell my art in different forms as well as work on commission pieces. I got into this by jumping feet first. I’m most proud of myself for pushing myself to do something out of my comfort zone. I’ve always dreamed of creating pieces that could provide a little ~something something!~ to someone’s collection or be the start of their collection.

I started my “art career” around 2010 and have been creating since. I had a long break from now and then, as one can guess, life sometimes pushes you elsewhere, but from 2021 to now I’ve really invested a lot of time into Unfinished by Duncan. I love doing in-person markets and am excited for what 2022 has in store already. UBD can also be found locally in Glendale, AZ which is amazing. I love meeting local businesses, local vendors, and creating collaborations.

If you’re thinking about taking the leap into something you love, I say do it – life is to short!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of my first portfolios included a series of five or six pieces that all tied to the concept of time. Of course this was early in my art career, so I decided to use hour glasses as a literal focal point and move through there. Time is a funny thing, there is so little yet so much of it. It’s precious and not something we should waste.

I created these pieces during a rough patch in my life and having an outlet to express what I couldn’t say is something valuable. We all go through challenges, and finding what works for you is key!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I am working on unlearning comparing myself to others and trying to fit into everyone’s ideal version of me. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! Art has really helped me push myself to try new things. We’re all different, and that should absolutely celebrated and accepted!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unfinished-by-duncan.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfinishedbyduncan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnfinishedByDuncan